Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! When the craving for something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor hits, but time is short, my mind immediately turns to Quick White Chicken Chili. This isn’t your traditional beef and red bean chili; it’s a lighter, yet incredibly creamy and satisfying version, brimming with tender chicken, wholesome beans, and mild spices. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort that comes together in a flash!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Quick White Chicken Chili because it’s a true weeknight champion. It’s shockingly fast to prepare, often ready in about 30 minutes, which makes it an ideal solution for those busy evenings. Despite its speed, it delivers incredible depth of flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture without being overly heavy. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal with minimal fuss, and it’s easily adaptable to your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Quick White Chicken Chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Optional toppings: Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips or strips

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Cooked chicken is essential for the “quick” aspect of this chili. Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. You can also quickly boil or pan-fry chicken breasts and shred them.
• Beans: Great Northern or cannellini beans provide the creamy, white chili base. Navy beans can also be used. Ensure they are well-rinsed and drained.
• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of green chiles and cayenne pepper to your desired spice preference. For a milder chili, omit the cayenne and use only mild green chiles.
• Creaminess: Heavy cream provides the richest texture, but half-and-half or even milk (for a lighter version) can be used. For a dairy-free option, you can mash some of the beans to thicken the chili instead of using cream.
• Veggies: A diced bell pepper (green or red) can be added with the onion.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Chiles & Chicken: Stir in the diced green chiles (undrained) and the cooked shredded or diced chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to combine.
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients (Except Cream): Stir in the rinsed and drained great northern beans, drained corn, chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything well to combine.
4. Simmer & Flavor Meld: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
5. Add Cream & Finish: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Taste the chili and adjust seasonings with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Ladle hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite optional garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or tortilla strips. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Prep Ahead: Chop your onion and garlic ahead of time to make assembly even faster.
• Use Cooked Chicken: This is the key to the “quick” aspect. Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here!
• Rinse Beans Thoroughly: Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and starch, leading to better flavor and consistency.
• Simmer Time Matters: Even a short simmer allows the flavors to really come together. Don’t skip it, even if you’re in a super rush.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your personal preference.
• Toppings Bar: Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl. This is half the fun!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Quick White Chicken Chili is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Cornbread: Warm cornbread is a classic and delicious companion to any chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping or crumbling directly into the bowl.
• Quesadillas: You could even serve alongside some Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Tex-Mex feast.
• Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds a creamy, cooling element.
• Other Cheesy Delights: If you love cheesy appetizers, consider having my Crockpot Nacho Dip on hand for a truly indulgent spread.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of Quick White Chicken Chili are fantastic and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld! Store any cooled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the chili might thicken slightly, so you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. This chili also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the comforting, flavorful nature of this Quick White Chicken Chili, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorite one-pot wonders and comforting family meals:

• For another fantastic one-pan dinner that’s incredibly convenient and always a hit, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• If you’re craving some deep, comforting Southern flavors, my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is an absolute must-try.
• And for another go-to chicken meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, these Chicken Enchiladas are simply irresistible!
• For an easy and cheesy appetizer that will disappear fast, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

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Final Thoughts

Quick White Chicken Chili is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a truly delicious, hearty, and satisfying meal. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for those busy days when comfort food is calling your name. Give it a try, and let this amazing chili warm you from the inside out!

What are your favorite toppings for white chicken chili, or your go-to speedy soup recipes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.